GERMAN 181 – Walter Benjamin’s Theory of Modernity: History, Language, Technology, Catastrophe

Semester: Fall
Offered: 2024
Instructor: William Stewart
Meeting Time: W 3:00pm – 5:00pm

Although he is arguably one of the most influential Western thinkers of the 20th century, what does Walter Benjamin (1892–1940) have to teach the 21st century? A great deal, it turns out. For the questions about history, language, politics, aesthetics, technology, and urban life that defined his exploration of modern existence remain astoundingly insightful into the crises shaping our present day. Drawing from Marxist theories of materialist history as much as theological traditions of Jewish messianism, Benjamin’s work addresses topics ranging from the violent effects of industrial capitalism on lived experience; to the ascendency of image culture via photography and film; to the social tremors that led to the rise of fascism. Through close readings of Benjamin’s most famous texts, and alongside reflections on the historical context in which he worked, this course will map the broad field encompassed by Benjaminian thought, as we seek to uncover a deeper unity in the diversity of the topics engaged by his philosophy. Of value to students of literature, visual cultures, film, social theory, urban studies, and art, this course offers an in-depth introduction to a foundational figure in the development of cultural studies, media theory, and social critique.

For more details please visit the Harvard Course Catalog.